Arcane Zoologist Image

In a world teaming with mystical beasts and arcane wonders, Arcane Zoologists dedicate their lives to the study of magical creatures. These intrepid scholars combine the rigor of academic research with the daring of adventurers, traveling to the farthest reaches of the world to observe, document, and protect the fantastical fauna that inhabit the realms. Whether driven by a thirst for knowledge, a love of nature, or the thrill of discovery, Arcane Zoologists play a vital role in bridging the gap between the mundane and the magical.

 
Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Arcana, Nature, Medicine, Animal Handling 
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit, Alchemist's Supplies
Languages: Choose one from: Draconic, Sylvan, or another language that would be appropriate for communicating with magical creatures.
Equipment: A set of traveler's clothes, a leather-bound diary, a bottle of ink, an ink pen, a small collection of preserved magical creature specimens, a herbalism kit, and a pouch containing 10 gp
 
Magical Creature Encounters

Arcane Zoologists are shaped by their encounters with magical creatures, each experience leaving an indelible mark on their expertise and outlook. Use the following table to determine a significant past encounter that has influenced your career as an Arcane Zoologist. Roll a d10 or choose an encounter from the table below to determine a pivotal moment in your background, influencing your approach to the study and interaction with magical beings.

d10 Magical Creature Encounters
1 Rescued a Hatchling: You found an injured dragon wyrmling and nursed it back to health. The experience gave you unique insights into dragon physiology and behavior.
2 Guardian of the Forest: A unicorn appeared to you in a dire moment, saving you from a perilous situation. You now have a deep respect for the mystical protectors of the wild.
3 Chimera Encounter: You barely escaped an attack by a ferocious chimera. The encounter left you with scars and a determination to understand and mitigate the danger of magical beasts.
4 Rare Discovery: You discovered a previously undocumented species of magical creature. The discovery brought you recognition and respect in scholarly circles.
5 Cursed Familiar: You once bonded with a magical familiar that turned out to be cursed. Breaking the curse taught you valuable lessons about magical afflictions.
6 Moonlit Meeting: Under a full moon, you observed a pack of lycanthropes in their natural state. The experience gave you empathy and insight into those afflicted by lycanthropy.
7 Griffon Rider: You trained and rode a griffon, forming a deep bond with the creature. Your time in the skies gave you a unique perspective on aerial combat and travel.
8 Basilisk Research: you studied a basilisk in captivity, learning to avoid its petrifying gaze and understanding its habitat and diet. This research is now a cornerstone of your career.
9 Fey Connection: You spent a season in the feywild, learning from the fey creatures. This experience enriched your knowledge of magical flora and fauna beyond the Material Plane.
10 Beholder Escape: You narrowly escaped the lair of a beholder. This terrifying encounter left you with an acute understanding of aberrations and their otherworldly nature.
 
Feature: Magical Creature Specialist

Your extensive study and fieldwork with magical creatures grant you an intuitive understanding of their behavior and biology. You can identify magical creatures and their traits with ease. Additionally, you have an advantage on any check to calm or control a magical creature, and you can try to communicate basic concepts and emotions to them, even if you don't share a common language.

 
Suggested Characteristics

Arcane Zoologists possess a unique blend of scholarly intellect and practical wilderness skills, honed through their study and interaction with magical creatures. They exhibit traits such as boundless curiosity, meticulous observation skills, and a deep respect for all living beings. Their motivations may vary from the pursuit of knowledge to the preservation or exploitation of magical creatures. Bonds forged with mentors, rare discoveries, or personal losses shape their paths, while flaws such as neglecting social niceties or hording secrets reflect their singular focus on their studies.

d4 Personality Trait
1 I'm always eager to share my knowledge about magical creatures, even if others aren't as interested.
2 I approach each new creature I encounter with boundless curiosity and respect.
3 I am meticulous in my notes and observations, always striving for accuracy and detail.
4 I'm more comfortable in the wilderness or in a laboratory than in a bustling city.
d4 Ideal
1 Knowledge. Understanding magical creatures is the key to understanding the world itself. (Neutral)
2 Preservation. Magical creatures are wonders of nature that must be protected and preserved. (Good)
3 Exploitation. Magical creatures possess powers and secrets that should be harnessed for the benefit of society. (Evil)
4 Exploration. The thrill of discovering a new species or unknown behavior drives me forward. (Chaotic)
d4 Bond
1 I have a favorite magical creature I care for, and I would do anything to protect it.
2 My mentor opened my eyes to the wonders of magical creatures, and I strive to live up to their legacy.
3 I once discovered a rare species and made a name for myself; now I seek to top that achievement.
4 I lost a dear friend to a dangerous magical creature and seek to understand and perhaps avenge that loss.
d4 Flaw
1 I can be so absorbed in my studies that I neglect basic necessities or social niceties.
2 I am overly trusting of magical creatures, often putting myself in harm's way.
3 My single-minded pursuit of knowledge can sometimes blind me to the needs and feelings of others.
4 I have a tendency to hoard rare specimens and secrets, fearing others might misuse them.
 

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